OnRamp is closing Alberta’s tech talent gap and driving industry growth with the support of PrairiesCan, The A100 and 321 Growth Academy
Calgary, AB (Nov 30, 2022) – Alberta’s tech industry has experienced significant growth in recent years and has quickly become a key part of the province’s economy. But despite the momentum, early-stage tech companies are continuing to struggle with sourcing qualified talent, with 250+ positions currently open in growth-related roles like marketing and customer success.
“There has never been a greater demand for marketing professionals in Alberta tech,” said Tamara Woolgar, Executive Director at The A100. “Our members are struggling to fill marketing-related roles because applicants often lack the specialized skills and experience required by the industry.”
OnRamp, developed in partnership by The A100 and 321 Growth Academy, was designed to help address this talent gap. Its unique program design provides post-secondary graduates, early-career marketers and career pivoters with the practical skills and hands-on experience needed for these in-demand tech roles—and then introduces learners to hiring employers.
Within only a few weeks of graduation, 64% of OnRamp participants have already secured full-time employment in roles that would have been challenging for early-stage tech companies to fill as a result of the gap.
“We built OnRamp to give tech companies a unique opportunity to hire job-ready people directly out of the program,” said Carey Houston, Founder of OnRamp and 321 Growth Academy. “Companies who engage with our cohorts not only get project support and exposure to highly-qualified candidates, but they also save a significant amount of time and money on the hiring process.”
OnRamp is thrilled to announce that the Government of Canada is making an investment of $236,500 towards the program to help support the tech industry’s growth and address this talent gap. The federal funding is being provided through PrairiesCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem (RIE) program, and complements provincial funding being provided through the Alberta Enterprise Corporation.
“Bridging the skills gap for Alberta’s growing technology sector is what’s needed for Albertans seeking in-demand careers and for growing our economy,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “Our government’s investment in OnRamp will help create more opportunities for Albertans to access high quality jobs while enabling local technology firms to continue scaling up and reaching new markets.”
“Calgary and Alberta are home to some of the most dynamic and innovative technology companies in Canada, and I’m pleased to see our government investing in their ability to grow and remain competitive,” said George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview. “I am excited that OnRamp will help qualified people find jobs in our technology sector while contributing to the economic resilience of our city and province.”
Alberta tech companies looking to recruit marketers will have another opportunity to engage with OnRamp’s participants when the second marketing cohort kicks-off in January 2023. To learn more about how to book a project or secure a hire, visit https://www.joinonramp.com/companies.
About OnRamp:
OnRamp is a growth marketing bootcamp that provides young and early-career marketers with the leg up they need to join Alberta’s thriving tech industry. Founded and led by tech industry veterans who’ve driven growth for some of Alberta’s most successful companies, OnRamp helps participants develop skill sets in growth and digital marketing that are unique to tech, while helping companies find and hire talent who’ll make an impact from day one.
About The A100:
The A100 is a non-profit, member-funded organization of experienced tech entrepreneurs and executives. They are dedicated to helping drive lasting diversification for Alberta’s economy by supporting the next generation of innovative tech startups.
About PrairiesCan:
PrairiesCan is the federal department that supports economic growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits and communities grow stronger. Its mandate is to support economic growth and diversification in the Prairie provinces and advance the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs and projects.
